Bassist Rocks Out With Steam Frame: The Future of Live Music Recording?

Ever wondered if a VR headset could survive the rigors of a live music set? One bassist recently put the Steam Frame to the ultimate test, wearing the device for an entire 45-minute gig during a Halloween show. While the sight of a performer in a VR headset might seem like a bizarre choice, the user managed to record their band’s performance from a unique, first-person perspective, proving that wearable tech is finding its way into unexpected corners of the creative arts.

How the Steam Frame Performed Onstage

The bassist, who goes by the Reddit username midtech, shared a clip of their performance, revealing a surprisingly stable experience. To make the Steam Frame viable for a long set, the user employed a few clever workarounds:

• Power Management: A portable power bank was tucked into the bassist’s pocket to ensure the headset remained charged throughout the 45-minute set.
• Visual Clarity: The setup included an Arcturus Vision Camera, a plug-and-play accessory that enabled color passthrough for better environmental awareness.
• Performance Settings: The headset was locked into performance mode with a 144 Hz refresh rate, while the camera captured footage at a smooth 60 fps.

Surprisingly, the user noted that the hardware remained comfortable throughout the performance. They highlighted that the device was light enough to barely notice, though it did require some adjustments in technique to look down at the bass frets periodically.

The Practical Impact for Musicians

Beyond the novelty of looking like a member of Daft Punk on stage, there are genuine, practical applications for wearing a Steam Frame while performing. The bassist shared their vision for the future of stage gear, suggesting it could eventually replace traditional music stands and tablets.

I really enjoyed how light the Frame was, I barely noticed it when I was playing. I like the idea of having tabs, lyrics, or a score on the display instead of flipping through them on a music stand.

By using the spatial capabilities of the headset, musicians could potentially display chords, lyrics, or sheet music directly in their field of view. This would eliminate the risk of knocking over iPads or losing one’s place while flipping through physical pages, creating a more seamless and professional stage experience.

Is VR the New Standard for Gigs?

While the bassist admitted that the device became somewhat warm during the set, the heat never reached an uncomfortable level. For lower-stakes gigs, this method offers a compelling way to document a band’s performance, allowing the artist to relive the concert spatially later on. As technology continues to shrink and comfort levels improve, we may see more performers adopting Steam Frame-style headsets to record, monitor, and enhance their live shows in the coming years.

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